Can the Grizzlies Take Down the Thunder
Well, despite the Memphis Grizzlies’ poor end to the season, despite the firing of their head coach, and despite Ja Morant’s antics that many thought would get him suspended, the Memphis Grizzlies have managed to sneak their way into the 2025 Playoffs. Following their loss to the Golden State Warriors in their first Play-In Game, the Grizzlies were able to down the Dallas Mavericks 120-106. This game served as a win-or-go-home game for the final spot in this year’s playoffs. However, with the Play-In-Tournament behind them, the team now sets its sights on the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Coming into this game, the Grizzlies have regained some of their form, dealing impressive wins over the Mavericks twice and downing the Detroit Pistons, whilst losing to several other playoff teams, such as the Nuggets, Lakers, and Warriors, twice by single digits. These outings are far more impressive compared to their abysmal losing streak that occurred just a month ago. As for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team stands as not only the top seed in the Western Conference but also the team with the best record in the NBA behind their 68 wins this season, a mark only set by seven teams now in NBA history. However, despite their record-breaking performance, the Thunder have managed to lose some marquee matchups recently, such as their 27-point loss to the Lakers and a 14-point loss to the Rockets, with both of these losses coming since the start of April.
As for how these two teams compare statistically, the Memphis Grizzlies stand as the second-highest-scoring team in the NBA, averaging 121.7 points per game. The Thunder are just behind them, averaging 120.5 points, placing them as the fourth highest in the league. As for their defensive standings, this is where the teams separate. The Thunder this season possessed the best defensive rating in the league, giving up 106.6 points per 100 possessions. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have given up 112.6 points per 100 possessions, putting them at eleventh in the league. Needless to say, while both teams are similar offensively, it is the Thunder’s defense that gives them an edge in this series thus far.
On an individual basis, Ja Morant stands as the Grizzlies' go-to player, with the star averaging nearly 28 points per game in the last eight games for the Grizzlies. For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. also contributes 22.2 points per game, with Desmond Bane dropping in 19.2 points per game as well. These three players stand as the Grizzlies’ big three heading into the postseason. As for the Thunder, their high-powered offense is driven by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who pours in 32.7 points per game, leading the entire league. Jalen Williams stands as a nice number two option, dropping in 21.6 points respectively, with their center, Isaiah Hartenstein, averaging 10.7 rebounds as well.
All in all, both of these teams possess very similar qualities. Both have a superstar that they give the ball to in big moments. Both have strong supporting players to help their star carry the load, and both teams produce some of the highest power offenses in the league. Where they separate is defensively, with the Thunder having the advantage. Can the Grizzlies make up this gap and perhaps surprise the NBA world? Only time will tell.
